IMSA: Dalziel returns to Starworks for Kansas

Ryan Dalziel is returning to the Starworks squad for the Grand Prix of Kansas this weekend at Kansas Speedway.

With the new TUDOR United Sportscar Series dual race being a Prototype Challenge- and Prototype Lites-only outing for this round, Dalziel, who currently drives No. 1 Tequila Patrón Honda Performance Development ARX-03b for Extreme Speed Motorsports in the series' Prototype class, is taking the opportunity to compete in the PC class with his old, Fort Lauderdale-based team.

He will be sharing the driving duties in the #7 Bomberg-liveried ORECA-Chevrolet FML09 with Martin Fuentes (while Sam Bird travels to the 24 Hours of Le Mans), alongside the race winning pairing of Mirco Schultis and Renger van der Zande in the Martini-liveried #8 Starworks ORECA-Chevrolet.

"It's great to be reunited with my good friends at Starworks for Kansas. It's an idea Peter and I floated around early in the season and it just so happens that the pieces fell into place recently," said Dalziel. "I always know that when I step into a Starworks car I'll be contending for the win. Martin is a great guy and I really appreciate the opportunity to drive with him. Kansas is a cool facility and this race is a unique format, so I am ready to go and help all the guys at Starworks get that win! Also, I'd like to thank ESM Racing for allowing me to take part in this weekend's event."

Peter Baron, team owner, added: "Naturally we were disappointed to learn of Sam's conflict, but wish him all the best in his maiden voyage to Le Mans. Filling in for him worked out quite conveniently with Ryan available and we would like to thank the Extreme Speed Motorsports crew for lending him out for this race. It is a natural fit for Ryan to come over; he's driven with Martin before, obviously knows our program well and knows the Kansas track, so it's a great fit. We are also looking forward to see Mirco and Renger push forward on their championship charge; a big congrats to them on their victory at the 12 Hours of Zandvoort, too."

The Grand Prix of Kansas will consist of two 45 minute races on the 2.37-mile infield road circuit.

Race 1 of the Grand Prix of Kansas for the TUDOR Championship PC/Lites classes starts at 5:15 PM ET (45 minutes) on Saturday, with the Continental Tire Challenge 7:15 PM ET (150 minutes) and Race 2 of the GP of Kansas at 11:15 PM ET (45 minutes).